HIGHLIGHTS

He was recalled on the back of his strong form in domestic tournaments

Reuters Photo

HIGHLIGHTS

Gambhir last played a Test for India in 2014 in England

Gambhir has scored 9 Test centuries

He was recalled on the back of his strong form in domestic tournaments

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has hailed Gautam Gambhir's call-up to the Indian team for the remaining two Tests against New Zealand.Ganguly reckoned that it will be a great opportunity for Gambhir to seal his place in the team. (

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has hailed Gautam Gambhir's call-up to the Indian team for the remaining two Tests against New Zealand.

Seasoned opener Gambhir has been included in the squad as a replacement for the injured Lokesh Rahul. Gambhir, 34, has played 56 Tests for India, the last of them in England over two years ago.

The left-hander, who has score nine Test hundreds, was recalled on the back of his strong form in domestic tournaments. (Gambhir's spats with Virat Kohli)'GREAT OPPORTUNITY'

"Great opportunity for him, but the question is will he play? The good thing for him is also that the next 13 Tests are at home and if he gets an opportunity and if he gets runs, it will be a big season for him on these flat pitches," Ganguly told India Today. (WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE)

'TRY TO BECOME BETTER PLAYER'

"He also deserved it with all those runs in the Duleep Trophy playing the pink ball...this is part and parcel of professional sport, you get dropped and come back again. He has to be careful in this period not only he has to score runs but also get his technique right in playing fast bowling overseas as an opener.

"Once he gets runs here he will get an opportunity after a year and half to travel to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. He is about 34 years of age and not getting any younger, so it's going to get a bit difficult against that pace in those conditions and use this time to become a better player," Ganguly said.

'NEEDS TO BELIEVE IN HIMSELF'

"He has got to believe in himself and speak to himself and only to himself, nobody will help him and nobody can help him. It's his inner within, his belief, his grit and determination he needs to work on to make sure he starts getting runs.

"He also knows that the opportunities will be limited and the first two innings will be very important to get the belief back among the captain and the selectors. I would have wanted his return in overseas conditions, nonetheless whatever opportunity he has got he should make the most of it. I still believe he is a very good player," the former India captain said.